Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:21
Synthesis of In37P20(O2CR)51 Clusters and Their Conversion to InP Quantum Dots
Published on: May 7, 2019
Higher Tc and Upper Critical Field in Novel Misfit Layered Compound Obtained by Indium-Addition Synthesis
Shogo Kuwahara1, Chiaya Yamamoto2, Junji Yamanaka2,3
1College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, 1-8-14, Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda 101-8308, Tokyo, Japan.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Indium addition to (SnSe)1.16(NbSe2) created a novel structure, boosting superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and in-plane upper critical fields (μ₀Hc2in-plane). This enhanced two-dimensionality in the misfit layered compound.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Misfit layered compounds (MLCs) like (SnSe)1.16(NbSe2) exhibit unique electronic properties.
- Tuning the structure of MLCs can modify their superconducting characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Indium (In) addition on the superconducting properties of (SnSe)1.16(NbSe2).
- To explore the structural modifications induced by In-addition in this MLC.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of an Indium-added sample (In-sample) of (SnSe)1.16(NbSe2).
- Crystal structure analysis using single crystals.
- Measurement of superconducting transition temperature (Tc).
- Determination of in-plane upper critical fields (μ₀Hc2in-plane).
Main Results:
- A novel stacking structure was observed in the In-sample.
- The lattice constant along the c-axis elongated due to layer thickening (excluding NbSe2).
- Superconducting transition temperature (Tc) increased from 3.6 K to 5.4 K.
- In-plane upper critical fields (μ₀Hc2in-plane(0)) exceeded the Pauli limit, reaching 29.4 T.
- Reduced coherence length along the c-axis indicated enhanced two-dimensionality.
Conclusions:
- Indium addition induces significant structural changes in (SnSe)1.16(NbSe2), leading to a new stacking order.
- The modified structure results in enhanced superconducting properties, including higher Tc and μ₀Hc2in-plane.
- The study highlights the potential of structural engineering in MLCs for advanced superconducting applications.
Related Concept Videos
02:58Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
02:46Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Tetrahedral Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
02:42Valence Bond Theory
Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...
02:37Metallic Solids
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...